Bennetto Natural Foods was founded in 2010 by Lucy Bennetto, a high school English and Drama teacher with a passion for chocolate. What began on a kitchen bench with a spice grinder, organic cocoa beans, and a group of willing student taste-testers quickly grew into something much bigger.

A pivotal trip to the Dominican Republic revealed the real impact of organic farming and Fairtrade partnerships on cocoa-growing communities. From that moment, ethical sourcing became non-negotiable, shaping both the flavour and the purpose behind every bar.

Today, more than a decade on, Bennetto continues to craft organic, Fairtrade chocolate rooted in those same values of quality, transparency, and care for people and planet. Product development still begins in Christchurch, where the brand started, while sustainable manufacturing partnerships allow the chocolate to be enjoyed across New Zealand, Australia, and now Europe and the UK.

Lucy’s vision remains clear: to use Bennetto as a platform for positive social and environmental impact.